2018/03/01 by Thomas Chouvenc, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, John Warner · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Biodiversity #Biology #Ecology #Ecosystem #Fauna #Formicinae #Hexapoda #Hymenoptera #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Insect and Pesticide Research #Myrmicinae #Plant and animal studies #Population #Range (aeronautics) #Vespoidea
paper · pdf · doi:10.1653/024.101.0126
openalex publication_date 2018/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Plagiolepis alluaudi, of Madagascar origin, is an invasive ant species in many tropical localities around the world. Here we report the first record of an established population of P. alluaudi in the continental Americas. This established population is thriving in a neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, and it raises concerns that this new invader may become another pest in the crowded landscape of Florida's invasive ant fauna. Taking into account the local densities of this ant in the area, it is possible that it was established for several years before being detected. It has the potential to be a household nuisance, and may also have an impact on urban ecosystems of southeastern Florida. It is expected that its own movement and human activity will further spread P. alluaudi beyond its current range.